{"id":2174,"date":"2018-05-10T06:04:13","date_gmt":"2018-05-10T16:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hawaiifiles.com\/?p=2174"},"modified":"2018-05-10T15:35:18","modified_gmt":"2018-05-11T01:35:18","slug":"boom-halemaumau-explodes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.hawaiifiles.com\/?p=2174","title":{"rendered":"BOOM!<\/b> Halemaumau Explodes"},"content":{"rendered":"

THROWBACK THURSDAY<\/em><\/span> \u2022 1924 \u2022 2018 Explosions<\/strong>
\nPosted May 10, 2018.<\/p>\n

\"Kilauea<\/a>
Ash column rises from the Overlook crater at the summit of K\u012blauea Volcano. HVO’s interpretation is that the explosion was triggered by a rockfall from the steep walls of Overlook crater. The photograph was taken at 8:29 a.m. HST on May 9, 2018 from the Jaggar Museum overlook. The explosion was short-lived. Geologists examining the ash deposits on the rim of Halema\u2018uma\u2018u crater found fresh lava fragments hurled from the lava lake. This explosion was not caused by the interaction of the lava lake with the water table. When the ash cleared from the crater about an hour after the explosion, geologists were able to observe the lava lake surface, which is still above the water table.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Halemaumau<\/strong><\/a> crater exploded early yesterday morning (May 9) after rocks fell into the ever deepening lava lake. The explosion produced a huge cloud that floated thousands of feet into the air. Hawaii Volcano Observator<\/a>y<\/strong>\u00a0(HVO) scientists are alerting the public to expect a larger explosion at the Kilauea summit, similar to one that happened in 1924. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/strong><\/a> will close indefinitely<\/strong> <\/a>starting tomorrow (Friday), May 11 to protect the public from large falling rocks should a bigger explosion happen.<\/p>\n

From the HVO bulletin of May 9, 2018<\/strong><\/em>:<\/p>\n

Volcanic Activity Summary:<\/b> The steady lowering of the lava lake in “Overlook crater” within Halema\u02bbuma\u02bbu at the summit of K\u012blauea Volcano has raised the potential for explosive eruptions in the coming weeks. If the lava column drops to the level of groundwater beneath K\u012blauea Caldera, influx of water into the conduit could cause steam-driven explosions. Debris expelled during such explosions could impact the area surrounding Halema\u02bbuma\u02bbu and the K\u012blauea summit. At this time, we cannot say with certainty that explosive activity will occur, how large the explosions could be, or how long such explosive activity could continue. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Residents of the K\u012blauea summit area should learn about the hazards of ashfall, stay informed of the status of the volcano and area closures, and review family and business emergency plans.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Resource on volcanic ash hazards: https:\/\/volcanoes.usgs.gov\/volcanic_ash\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Read the full summary:\u00a0HVO-USGS5-9-2018<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

UPDATE<\/span>:<\/strong> USGS East Rift Zone Community Meeting<\/a><\/strong> – \u00a0Want to know more about the possibility of a Kilauea volcano explosion and ash fallout? Watch this informative video of last night’s (May 9) public \u00a0meeting.<\/p>\n

UPDATE<\/span>:<\/strong> Disaster Brewing at the Kilauea Summit?<\/strong><\/a> – Honolulu Star Advertiser<\/em> article. 5-10-2018<\/p>\n

Meanwhile the East Rift Zone<\/strong> eruption continues at various fronts near the Leilani Estates<\/strong> subdivision and the Puna Geothermal Ventures<\/strong><\/a> power plant. As of this posting, 15 fissures<\/strong><\/a> have opened in the Leilani Estates area spewing more lava that has destroyed at least 36 structures, 27 of them homes. Many residents had to be evacuated with some already losing their homes, while others wait in anxiety wondering if their homes will be spared.<\/p>\n

VIDEO:<\/strong><\/span> Ikaika Marzo<\/strong><\/a> SO2 killing trees | Opihikau – downslope from Leilani Estates eruption.<\/p>\n